Michael,
I have no interest in any other Bose system for live work. This new design is what drew me to it, so I can't comment on the system you mentioned, sorry.
As for the stereo deal .... you'll have to deside that for yourself. I still monitor in stereo, no matter what amps I use to make my shows louder because my mixer feeds the audio INPUTS to my kb and I hear the harmonizer, midi files and MP3 trax all through the stereo kb speakers. Wouldn't play any other way. I'm too spoiled now.
Good luck in your search !